Briefing de orientación en Corea del Sur

El primer reino documentado de la península de Corea, Chosŏn, data de aproximadamente el año 2300 a. C. En los siglos siguientes se establecieron en la península tres reinos principales: Koguryó, Baekje y Silla. Hacia el siglo V d. C., Koguryó se había convertido en el más poderoso, con control sobre gran parte de la península y parte de Manchuria (la actual región noreste de China). Sin embargo, Silla se alió con los chinos y creó en el año 688 el primer Estado coreano unificado. Tras la caída de Silla en el siglo IX, Corea fue unificada por las dinastías Goryeo (918-1392) y Joseon (1392-1910).

Corea fue objeto de una intensa rivalidad imperialista entre los imperios chino (su tradicional protector), japonés y ruso durante la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y principios del XX. Tras la guerra sino-japonesa (1894-1895) y la guerra ruso-japonesa (1904-1905), Corea fue ocupada por el Imperio japonés. En 1910, Japón anexionó formalmente toda la península. Corea recuperó su independencia tras la rendición de Japón ante Estados Unidos y sus aliados en 1945. Se estableció un gobierno democrático respaldado por Estados Unidos (República de Corea, ROK) en la mitad sur de la península de Corea, mientras que en el norte se instaló un gobierno de tipo comunista respaldado por la Unión Soviética (Corea del Norte; también conocida como República Popular Democrática de Corea, RPDC). Durante la guerra de Corea (1950-1953), tropas estadounidenses y fuerzas de la ONU combatieron junto a soldados surcoreanos para defender Corea del Sur de una invasión norcoreana respaldada por la China comunista y la Unión Soviética. Tras el armisticio de 1953, las dos Coreas quedaron separadas por una zona desmilitarizada.

Syngman Rhee dirigió el país como su primer presidente entre 1948 y 1960. Park Chung-hee tomó el poder en un golpe de Estado en 1961. Durante su controvertido gobierno (1961-1979), Corea del Sur logró un rápido crecimiento económico, y su renta per cápita alcanzó aproximadamente 17 veces el nivel de Corea del Norte en 1979. Park fue asesinado en 1979, y los años siguientes se caracterizaron por la agitación política y el dominio militar continuado, mientras crecía el movimiento prodemocrático del país. Corea del Sur celebró sus primeras elecciones presidenciales libres con arreglo a una constitución democrática revisada en 1987, en las que el antiguo general del Ejército surcoreano Roh Tae-woo ganó una reñida contienda. En 1993, Kim Young-sam se convirtió en el primer presidente civil de la nueva era democrática de Corea del Sur. El presidente Kim Dae-jung (1998-2003) recibió el Premio Nobel de la Paz en 2000 por sus aportaciones a la democracia surcoreana y por su «Política del Sol», de acercamiento a Corea del Norte. La presidenta Park Geun-hye, hija del antiguo presidente surcoreano Park Chung-hee, asumió el cargo en 2013 como la primera mujer en dirigir Corea del Sur. En 2016, la Asamblea Nacional aprobó una moción de destitución contra Park por su presunta implicación en un escándalo de corrupción y tráfico de influencias, lo que dio lugar a unas elecciones presidenciales anticipadas en 2017, ganadas por Moon Jae-in. En 2022, el fiscal de larga trayectoria y recién llegado a la política Yoon Suk Yeol ganó la presidencia por el margen más estrecho de la historia de Corea del Sur.

Las discrepancias y tensiones con Corea del Norte, marcadas por provocaciones militares, lanzamientos de misiles y ensayos nucleares norcoreanos, han impregnado durante años las relaciones intercoreanas. Las relaciones siguieron tensas, a pesar de un periodo de distensión en 2018-2019 propiciado por la participación de Corea del Norte en los Juegos Olímpicos y Paralímpicos de Invierno de 2018 celebrados en Corea del Sur, y por reuniones diplomáticas de alto nivel, incluidas las históricas cumbres entre Estados Unidos y Corea del Norte. En 2024, Pyongyang anunció que ponía fin a toda cooperación económica con Corea del Sur, medida que siguió a anteriores declaraciones en las que anunciaba la anulación de un pacto militar de 2018 destinado a reducir las tensiones a lo largo de su frontera militarizada, el abandono de la búsqueda, de décadas de duración, de una reunificación pacífica con Corea del Sur, y la designación del Sur como su «principal enemigo».

The level of tension and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Tensions can rise after missile tests by North Korea and during the regular South Korean-US military exercises, which take place throughout the year. Follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, which will be reported on news broadcasts.

The demilitarised zone (DMZ) separates North Korea and South Korea. Peace has been maintained under an armistice agreement, but no formal peace treaty has ever been signed. If you’re in the area of the DMZ, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in South Korea

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Korea, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

The level of tension and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Tensions can rise after missile tests by North Korea and during the regular South Korean-US military exercises, which take place throughout the year. Follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, which will be reported on news broadcasts.

The demilitarised zone (DMZ) separates North Korea and South Korea. Peace has been maintained under an armistice agreement, but no formal peace treaty has ever been signed. If you’re in the area of the DMZ, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.

National service

If you are a British male of Korean origin whose name appears on the Korean family register, you may be liable for military service even if you are travelling on your British passport.

Demonstrations

Public demonstrations in South Korea are common, particularly at times of elevated political tensions. These gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed. Be aware that under Korean law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in political activities when in the country. While in South Korea, pay attention to media reporting on political tensions and planned demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid large public gatherings.

Civil emergency exercises and advice

South Korean authorities sometimes hold civil emergency exercises. You’ll hear sirens to mark the start of the exercise. All vehicles must stop and sometimes people will have to descend into designated metro stations or basements. You do not need to participate but do follow any instructions from officials during these exercises.

Contingency planning

The government’s Emergency Ready App, available on iOS and Android, explains the possible civil emergency alerts which would be pushed to your mobile in an emergency.

As part of your own contingency planning, make sure you have easy access to your passport and other important documents such as nationality documents and birth and marriage certificates, as well as any essential medication. Consider saving the contact details for the embassy so that you can access them quickly if needed. Make sure to share your contact details with your family and friends.

Crime

Crime against foreigners is rare but there are occasional thefts. Take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and in areas visited by foreigners, such as Itaewon.

While most reported crimes are thefts, there have been cases of assault, including sexual assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas. Take care when travelling alone at night and only use legitimate taxis or public transport.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification, but people are rarely asked to show it.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re convicted of possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs you can face a long jail sentence and heavy fines. This applies even to personal use of small amounts of marijuana. British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in South Korea, see information on driving abroad and read the Korea Tourism Organization’s driving in Korea guidance. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car when you drive in South Korea. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

The police take the position that car and motorbike drivers are at fault in accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians. If you injure someone in an accident, you are likely to face criminal charges and heavy penalties, even if guilt is not proved.

The legal limit for alcohol in South Korea is less than half the limit in England, and penalties for drink-driving include prison and fines.

Taxis

Taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English. It is helpful to have your destination written in Korean – if possible with a map.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

If there is a natural disaster, or the threat of one, the South Korean government will publish updates in Korean and English to the Natural Disaster Safety Portal.

The government’s Emergency Ready App, available on iOS and Android, explains the possible alerts which would be pushed to your mobile.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Typhoons

The typhoon season normally runs from June to November. Monitor the progress of approaching storms with the Korea Meteorological Administration or call 131 in Korea to get an accurate weather forecast in English. Always follow any advice given by the local authorities.   

Flooding and landslides

South Korea has heavy rainfall across the country during the summer rainy season, usually in June and July. Torrential rain may cause flooding near rivers and creeks, including in built-up areas. Flash floods are common in areas downstream from large reservoirs or rivers, even after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas.

Monitor forecasts for heavy rainfall with the Korea Meteorological Administration and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

Earthquakes

Strong earthquakes are unusual in South Korea but do happen. Most earthquakes in South Korea are relatively weak. The Korea Meteorological Administration publishes information on earthquakes.

Read up on the any guidance from local authorities on safety procedures in an earthquake and check the safety tips from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur in South Korea. Pay attention to warnings from local authorities and follow any safety instructions that they issue. Korean-language emergency alerts will automatically be sent to your mobile phone if you are in an affected area, and English-language translations of emergency alerts can be accessed on the National Disaster and Safety Portal and in the Emergency Ready App.

You can track the location and progress of fires through the Korea Forest Service website in English and Korean.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for South Korea
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in South Korea, including:

• malaria
• insect and tick bites
• tick-borne encephalitis

Air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common, especially during spring months. Follow local media reporting and check the Korean Meteorological Administration website. On days when concentrations are high, most residents will stay indoors or use face masks outside. It’s also important to drink plenty of water.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage. Take an English language prescription from your doctor at home for both your prescription drugs and non-prescription medicines. Consult the website of the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before you travel to South Korea.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in South Korea

Medical and dental care in South Korea is usually of a good standard, but can be expensive. Staff may not speak English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need to stay in a South Korean hospital, particularly if your condition is severe, the hospital may ask you to bring a guardian or ‘bohoja’ to assist you with basic care needs such as trips to the bathroom, washing and exercise. It is possible to find agencies who will provide a caregiver or ‘ganbyungin’ for a fee, but these caregivers generally do not speak English. If you know that you may need to enter a Korean hospital, you should try to organise a guardian such as a friend or relative in advance.

The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) maintains an online database (in Korean) of emergency services at available medical centres nationwide.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in South Korea where some staff will speak English. 

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in South Korea.

Medical tourism

If you are travelling to South Korea for elective treatment, such as cosmetic surgery or a dental procedure, consider that no medical procedure is risk-free. Make sure that your travel health insurance covers complications that may arise and repatriation to the UK if required.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.